Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

goodbeerallday

Australia

3.93/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: dark haze orange brown colour with thick 3cm fluffy off white head white resides to a 10mm off white covering over the top of the beer. some carbonation present.

S: lots of hay and rye along with peach and apricot in the background.

T: quite bitter this one with some astringent flavouring in the back pallet. peach is the main fruit present here. drinking this a lot is happening, a near over power rye taste but fades into a neat bitterness. allowing this beer to raise in temperature really accentuates the flavours. apricot is a definite feature in this one. not a huge deal in terms of the malt side of beer but enough to make it so it isnt unbalanced in an unreasonable fashion.

M: i found this to be reasonably heavy with a mid strength body but smooth. quite harsh bitterness swarms around the mouth but nothing hugely exaggerated.

O: a really nice beverage and something i could drink more than once. appearance for me was the outstanding factor and looking at it made me want to drink it. nose a little on the average side but definitely not empty and taste is one that lingers. good beer all up.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2012 08:39:52 | More by goodbeerallday

JPlo

Maryland

4.13/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: Copper-honey color, hazy. Head above avg lasting and very good lacing.

Taste: Peppery rye, citrus, earthy, slightly herbal, grainy, sweet. Good hop bitterness, about avg for an ipa.

Feel: Smooth medium body. Light carbonation and a long finish.

Rye flavor brings tremendous balance for an IPA. Very drinkable for the non-hophead.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2013 02:25:31 | More by JPlo

PaleZombie

Arizona

3.94/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from 12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

A- A wonderful amber color with a decent amount of carbonation bubbles.

S- Strong smell of rye, hops, some malt, and some caramel like hints.

T- Strong hop presence here you get the rye more in the finish with a decent amount of bitterness.

M- I love the feel on this one, just the perfect amount of carbonation and slightly more than medium body.

O- This is a good one and worth a try, it took me a couple to get a feel for it but I find I like it more as I drink more of them.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2013 07:43:56 | More by PaleZombie

roundthewaygirls

Virginia

3.6/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

poured into a tulip glass

A: burnt sienna color. ruby shine when held up to the light. complex color. hazy. carbonation. a finger of frothy head quickly dissipates. nice lacing. (nice bottle art as well. reaping the harvest. shit is deep.)

S: the rye has a robust presence, balanced with citrus notes. something at the bottom is slightly resinous or woody.

T: the rye is very well blended with the citrus malts. the malts aren't particularly discernible but they compensate for the dryness of the rye. the effect is very refreshing. peppery. hops on the finish. well balanced.

M: medium bodied. moderately carbonated. refreshing. crisp going down.

O: when i saw this beer, i knew i would have to compare it with founders red's rye pa. while not as bold or original, this beer is completely satisfying and refreshing. the substitution of rye for predominant hops separates this beer from any other sierra nevada beer i've had.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2013 23:47:15 | More by roundthewaygirls

rawla

California

4.1/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Tom Collins glass off a fresh bottle from Trader Joe's Lake Merritt, in Oakland CA.

A:Ruby Red, Cinammon, and Brown hues. Creamy, 2 inch head. Thick lacing.

S: Roasted yams, grapefruit, pine needles. A very decadent aroma. The Rye incorporates a grainy, sweet subtle finish in the nose.

T: Sesame seed, pine needles, and fresh grapefruit. The tastes seem to be all over, but they work magnificently. The Rye gives the IPA a peppery, light feel; whereas the hops provide a decent bouquet of flavor. Well done.

M: Light mouth feel.

O: Another solid offering from SN. The Rye gives the classic West Coast IPA an interesting flavoring. Will drink again.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 06:57:12 | More by rawla

BHopp12

Pennsylvania

3.45/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a tulip

A: Poured an amber color that was very clear with a fluffy white head that leaves a very nice lacing behind.

S: A strong hop presences with a little bit of the rye behind it. Very hoppy presences though!

T: Very hoppy taste to it, almost like candy! Then the rye hits you with a bitter finish

M: Carbonation was medium to little very good in my opinion, bitter with a mild alcohol feel to it

O: Very good beer, definitly one I will have again and highly recommend like all Sierra offerings

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 16:30:43 | More by BHopp12

BeerAficionadoMCMXC

California

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25

This beer always gives me the knarliest farts. They fucking stink too. The beer's good, and the 6.6% always leaves my liver working hard to make me sober enough to work the next morning. I like the fact that I can drink a bunch of it, fart enough to make my domain a gas chamber, then wake up and walk out of the room without noticing the deadly smell that the beer gave me. It leaves a chalky hungover taste in your mouth after you drink 10 and wake up without brushing your teeth, but that's the life of a true alcoholic. An alcoholic's beer if the ABV were a touch higher and the farts were a bit stinkier.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 07:33:05 | More by BeerAficionadoMCMXC

unskinnyhop09

South Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

january is a sad time for fans of celebration ale. away goes the goodness of the holidays and an ipa that marks history with its hoppy goodness.

what could make the sting hurt less? another amazing ipa would do the trick! let's try one using rye. sure.

pepper and burned grass usual of rye flavor (ask bear republic and founders)...but here we have a fantastic citrus hop note - and i mean fantastic! i was sad that there was no more celebration at the grocery supermarket...until i got home and tasted the ruthless rye.

great aroma. great taste. great beer.
another amazing offering from sn. i guess i can forgive you for the disappearance of anniversay ale.

please keep making these hoppy ales!
...and i'm looking forward to 2012 bigfoot.

wow. just wow.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2012 04:46:57 | More by unskinnyhop09

heelsn02

North Carolina

4.13/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle poured into New Belgium snifter

pours a really nice deep amber color... off white 1 finger head. lots of bubbles coming up from the carbonation. awesome lacing.

smells nice and sweet, a bit of citrusy hops coming thru. caramel and bready malts. not a big pungent smell though

really good taste. nice balance b/t the hops and malt, and the light peppery spice from the rye flavor pulls thru really nicely.

mouthfeel is a little bitter, medium bodied; nice amount of carbonation.

overall I'm really liking this rye IPA... about to have 3 or 4 more and watch the brady/tebow bowl tonight :) super easy to drink for sure. similar to the "rye hopper" I tried from french broad a few weeks ago, but not as sweet... both excellent brews though. this is priced very reasonably here in NC ($8.99 for a 6er). I'll definitely buy this one again. well done Sierra.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 22:53:30 | More by heelsn02

NedShakeshaft

Ontario (Canada)

4.48/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle into a mug.

A- deep copper-brown color with a fluffy, white head that retained two fingers for several minutes.

S- Maybe it's just me but I didn't pick up a lot in the smell department. A bit of spicy bread perhaps.

T- One of the best-tasting beers I've had out of a bottle. Wonderful semi-sweet malts at the front remind of chocolate-chip pancakes. Peppery spice emerges, then the piney hops come in at the end with notes of fruit (black cherry?).

M- On the thick side, it hangs on to your tongue, which helps to release the complex taste at a moderate pace. Lingers. Not highly carbonated.

O- Very good beer. Big and complex, yet drinkable. Bargain at $14.99 for 12.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2012 02:42:07 | More by NedShakeshaft

Ale-ienation

California

3.94/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Poured a transparent red amber into a pint glass. Finger of white head that dissipated quickly with little to no lacing.

S: Citrus hops accompanied by a slight rye spiciness. Very subtle notes of apple and strawberry esters.

T: Spicy rye up front with classic pale malts and beautifully integrated esters; similar to the nose. Clean, bitter finish.

M: Medium to full bodied with present carbonation.

O: Beautiful spicy rye IPA that is true to west coast traditions but nicely balanced as well.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2013 17:54:11 | More by Ale-ienation

jfrank85

Michigan

4.53/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- Poured into a dogfish head snifter. This beer has a sticky head that lasts for days. Copious amounts of lacing down the glass that sticks like glue. Deep copper red color, bright crystal clear. Beautiful.
S- Spicy. Touch of citrus hops, slightly earthy and grassy.
T- " ", crisp and fresh, pumpernickel bread taste. Touch of citrus from hops almost resinous, grainy.
M- Medium but crisp. Bright
O- Wow, I'm in love. I am quite partial to rye beers as it it but this one is amazing. From presentation to taste it is both appealing and tasty. Would recommend highly.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2012 01:03:01 | More by jfrank85

HerculesRM

South Carolina

3.79/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Smells clean, subtle fresh cut pine. The tastes up front are nice piney bitters. The secondary flavours are booze, passion fruit and red currants. Beautiful red/copper colour with a thin white head. Refreshing and interesting. Well done, Mr. Grossman!

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2013 23:17:57 | More by HerculesRM

adsomers

California

4.03/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A - Clear deep amber color. Thick rocky head. Minimal carbonation.

S - Not bursting forth with hop aromas as I usually find in a west coast IPA, including those with rye. It's a welcome departure, as the earthy grain aromas are very nice to contemplate. However I detect a bit of sulphur or something that reminds me of an old tavern smell, if that makes any sense.

T - I think the rye really comes out in this beer with a richness I've only experienced in Rugbrød from The Bruery. Has a deep bready, earthy, and slightly spicy quality that I just can't get enough of. This is balanced by plenty of bitterness and citrusy hop character.

M - The low carbonation brings malty character to the foreground and weighs down the mouthfeel a bit, and this is a good thing!

D - 6.6 Abv makes this a two-pinter, or a great. It's very tasty, digestible, and easy to drink. Score SN!

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2012 19:14:36 | More by adsomers

Bubbalito

Virginia

4.1/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Has to be the coolest label on the market right now.
A:The beer poured a gorgeus coppery red. Good carbonation and head (looked fresh and alive).

S:Smell was pretty mellow, citrus with a bit of peppery rye in the background.

T:Tasted like grapefruit with pepper sprinkled on it (Yum) nice bready feel on the mouth. Super refreshing, with a pleasent dry aftertaste.

O: I liked this alot. It was not overpowering in any one area. I would have like a bit more aroma, the smell seemed subdued, almost too mellow, it just didnt grab me. But again, this was a great beer, and I would totally drink it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2012 18:35:27 | More by Bubbalito

jacksback

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Nice looking pour. Clear, dark copper. pretty thin head that clears quick, leaves a decent bit of lacing.

Nose has some peppery sharpness to it that comes across immediately. Sharp citric notes right behind the pepper. Hints of smooth toffee sweetness... faint hints. Mostly sharpness on the nose, though entirely tame and far from overbearing,

Flavor follows right on the nose, with no surprises. Assertive bitterness between citric sharpness and peppery spice. Hop character shows great balance with the rye. Some typical lemon and grapefruit action duels with spicy sharpness. Body has some weight and mild sweetness, but stays in the background.

Smooth and easy on the palate, with relatively light carbonation and a finish that shows some mild bitterness.

Overall, a pretty good beer. Rye plays a good part, without being either too subtle to notice or overbearing. Great balance. Nothing that's going to rock the beer world, but would be hard to get tired of drinking this one.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 00:38:06 | More by jacksback

laramis

South Carolina

3.15/5  rDev -19.4%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

A: it was a reddish orange color there was a small head white in color weak retention little lacing

S:Earthy hops some grain notes not overpowering actually the aroma is quite mild

T: Strong flavor at first then there is the bitter taste of hops but instead the sweat aftertaste one would expect the rye flavor takes over and remains on the pallet

M: Pleasant theres not to much there is medium carbonation

O: This was a beer that i could drink again, i am not a huge ipa guy but i liked the rye flavors and appreciated that it was not overly alcoholic and still flavorful

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 03:01:25 | More by laramis

icepik

Rhode Island

3.73/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Darker amber color, very slight chill haze, light head, OK lacing.

S: Fairly light hops in the nose and about equal to the rye malt aroma.

T: Very nice nutty rye malt flavor, a bit bready, fairly strong bite of hops/rye on the finish. Bitterness lingers.

M: Solid mouth feel, soft carbonation, bitter finish.

O: Another nice offering from SN. While I feel it lacks a bit in the aroma and flavoring hops (for an IPA), it does have a strong bitterness on the finish that goes with the rye malt, which is the center of the flavor for this beer. It might even be a bit too much, depending on how much you like a pepper/bitterness finish (I like it). Its worth a try!

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 21:38:29 | More by icepik

gobseulmuhri

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Saw it at the local store and had to have it being that I am a huge fan of their Torpedo IPA.

Poured out of a 12oz bottle into a tulip glass. What came out was opaque and dark honey/mahogany in color with a 1/2'' of head that kept retention pretty well.

The nose was a bit muted, but it had the typical IPA scents - peppery spices, fruit, and hops. The taste is what impressed me. The flavors that were muted on the nose came out strong in the mouth. However, it's noticeably mellower than the Torpedo IPA (is it the color?) without losing the signature IPA flavors.

The mouthfeel is medium as a good IPA should be with plenty of carbonation and a dry finish that definitely reminds me of the lightly bitter and pungent flavors of rye bread.

I was a bit skeptical about this one, but I'm glad I got it. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2012 02:43:15 | More by gobseulmuhri

cr0ckett

Michigan

3.9/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours an rich amber color, with a big off white head that leaves nice lacing behind. The nose is weak, but has some floral hop notes followed by some malty tones. Has a smoothe taste beginning with a piney hop note followed by malty rye tones. Plesant, medium mouthfeel and carbonation refreshing. Overall a solid brew and worth picking up a six pack. I would like a little stronger rye presence, however it is still a very enjoyable beer and I will buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2012 01:09:39 | More by cr0ckett

Broden

California

4.53/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Served in a standard Pint Glass

A- Pours a very nice amberish color with a nice looking white head. Head dissipates and leaves a nice amount of lacing throughout. Very attractive beer.

S- Nose of this beer is a little subdued but has seems to have a very balanced smell. Neither hop, nor malt seem to dominate the smell. It definitely has a little rye spice to the nose.

T/M- Very well balanced beer. Hops, Malt, and the perfect spice from the Rye. Extremely drinkable with a medium body. Very difficult to detect any alcohol.

O- Such an amazing beer. Perfectly balanced, and soooo easy to drink. I wish this was a year round brew for SN!

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2012 23:02:21 | More by Broden

xShoWTeKx

South Carolina

4.68/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

A: Poured from a bottle into a pint glass, has a good sized white head that holds for quite a while and leaves heavy lace. Color is a transparent copper.

S: Very strong spicy, citrusy hop smell with a slight rye bread and sweet caramel smell.

T: A nice spicy kind of rye bread taste with very light sweetness and a strong piney and citrus hop flavor ending.

M: Medium body with good carbonation, this beer is very very smooth.

O: This is a very dynamic and smooth beer that I thoroughly enjoyed and will enjoy again. Would definitely recommend trying this beer if you haven't.

Serving type: bottle

03-28-2013 04:07:54 | More by xShoWTeKx

jchoffman

Georgia

4.38/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I first tasted the Ruthless Rye IPA in my home poured from a bottle into a freezing pint glass, good pour, head about a inch thick. I wasn't sure what to expect from this Rye IPA, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was hoppy, and got a smell and taste of Citrus, which in my opinion was a great blend. I've recently drank SN Torpedo and Celebration Ale, which I loved both and wasn't disappointed by the Ruthless Rye Ale at all. Excellent brew, I recommend strongly. I do think it tastes better from a cold(or very cold) pint glass.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 12:42:49 | More by jchoffman

djohnse

Iowa

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Always a good idea to pick up something new from Sierra Nevada and found this recently.

Appearance - Deep copper brown with a nice pillowy quater inch of head lingering after taking a few sips, it isn't going away from the look of it.

Smell - Smells like the classic IPA with pine and the scent of grapefruit coming through very clearly.

Taste - The simple way of describing it is that you get a good IPA at the start then moving to a nice spicy finish with the rye. Solid bitterness of the hops upfront, light pine taste going along with citrus blend. Then it immediately takes a U turn and the maltiness comes through, rye popping on the tongue with some peppery tones.

Mouthfeel - Nice carbonation mixed in giving it a bit more heft than most IPA's. The taste lingers because of the light coating that the beer leaves.

I really enjoy this, lots of interesting flavors that worked really well together for me. If you can find it I'd say it's worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2012 02:49:25 | More by djohnse

davidsumner

4.25/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Strong Rye note. Very Grassy, floral, grainy. But well rounded with a good malt base. Nice complexity.

A good outside IPA; grilling, fishing, picnic or just hanging at the lake. I've started to prefer it with salmon or a good summer sausage, rye bread and swiss.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2012 17:15:58 | More by davidsumner